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I just didSorry that this happened to you - again! If you haven't already, you should install the Alert Cops app on your phone.
I wondered the same, what is wrong with these people, you gotta be seriously disturbed in your head to masturbate on the street for anyone to see.(Rhetorically) - what the hell’s wrong with these people?
This is not normal male behaviour. They need mental help. Disgusting.Sincere sympathies to Seaseeker on a repeat of this clearly distressing incident.
(Rhetorically) - what the hell’s wrong with these people?
Yes, its in the first post.So the bottom line is: did you report it to the police. If not this is like a tree falling in the woods making not sound.
Hello thanks for the reply. As I was speaking to the police they were asking me where was I. I’ve said it but kept running, there was no way I would be waiting for the police and allow that son of a b* catch up with me. So as they kept redirecting me to the local guardia civil of Comillas I was still running fast away from where it happened.Hi @seaseeker. A range of thoughts and reactions when I read your post. Appreciation that you reported it here on the forum and to the police, with clear language and precise information including the exact location in both cases. Feeling the shock when you realised that the man was approaching you and saying or shouting something in your direction. Nodding in agreement that your immediate reaction was to gain a safe distance. And finally anger. Immense anger that these men dare to invade our public space and our camino space. And continue to dare to do so.
I'm just curious about something. You write: I called the police as soon as I gained some distance whilst keep looking over my shoulder to check if he wasn’t coming on my way. The police met further away nearby the city centre of Comillas and got the description and exact location. Could you explain this a little further. When you called 112, did they tell you to continue walking to a place where the police will meet you? And if so, was it far?
Have a Buen Continued Camino. I know you will.
Thanks. I am not joking when I say that it felt as if my own heart was beating faster when I read how fast you ran to gain a safe distance: 12 km/h as registered by your watch. Phew. And again: sending some cyber hugs and Buen Camino!!!Hello thanks for the reply. As I was speaking to the police they were asking me where was I. I’ve said it but kept running, there was no way I would be waiting for the police and allow that son of a b* catch up with me. So as they kept redirecting me to the local guardia civil of Comillas I was still running fast away from where it happened.
This is why a woman shouldn't walk alone, or at a minimum, keep other pilgrims in sight of her.I’m consternated to inform that today, unfortunately I came across a second man naked jacking off in the woods. I hike alone.
The first one around Liendo, on the 9th of October, the exact location for those of you who have the app ‘what3words’ is [///ailing.prickles.trespass]. He was a young man on his late twenties with a mountain bike, upon turning left on the road I found him jacking off half naked, but as soon as he saw me he got startled and stopped, and I walk as fast as I could from there, but didn’t report to the police thinking it was just an odd occurrence.
Second time was today in Ruiloba, just before entering Comillas nearby a gas station Repsol, the exact location was [///snare.offset.tarnish] on the app ‘what3words’.
This time was worse, I was hiking downhill, super chilled singing my song and I come across this man on his late 50’s half naked, jacking off, the moment he saw me he came walking towards me whilst holding his penis and saying I don’t know what, because Spanish is not my mother language. I runned as fast as I could almost falling downhill at 12 km/h according to my watch and called the police as soon as I gained some distance whilst keep looking over my shoulder to check if he wasn’t coming on my way. The police met further away nearby the city centre of Comillas and got the description and exact location where it happened and went away.
The albergue owner where I am told me is not the first time and it happened recently with a German lady staying at Comillas.
So my advice, do a different route from Sierra and take the sea route even if it’s on the highway or get a cab, bus train from Santillana del Mar till Comillas.
I am fine although shocked and literally wondering what the f@ck is wrong with these men jacking off in the middle of nowhere, I mean, is this a thing?
Anyway have a safe and buen camino everyone.
This is NOT a reason why women shouldn’t walk alone. Women don’t need to be further threatened, harassed, intimidated or worse.This is why a woman shouldn't walk alone, or at a minimum, keep other pilgrims in sight of her.
Not advice that I would give or heed. And it is illusionary and not a solution as there will always be women pilgrims who walk on their own.This is why a woman shouldn't walk alone, or at a minimum, keep other pilgrims in sight of her.
You could not be more wrong. THIS is why men shouldn't accost, harass, and sexually aggress against women. The actions of a few individuals should not hold all of us hostage, which is the outcome of your proposal. I understand that you are trying to ensure that women are safe, but you are going about it in a wrong-headed way. The problem is not women walking alone -- the problem is that men are masturbating in public in the hopes of frightening women travelers. Such behavior is a type of sexual terrorism and the response should focus on the perpetrator, not the victim.This is why a woman shouldn't walk alone, or at a minimum, keep other pilgrims in sight of her.
This is Not why women shouldn't walk alone. This is why men should take responsibility for their own actions. If they have to jerk off, they can do it in the privacy of their own home, except that some probably get a thrill from being intimidating. Women should not have to give up their right to roam freely, that takes away part of the reason for many to set out on a solo çamino. Sorrt, I am not anti men, just anti men who put women in this intimidating situation.This is why a woman shouldn't walk alone, or at a minimum, keep other pilgrims in sight of her.
This is absolutely true.I'm just glad that the what3words came out appropriately.
I really don't think this is a reason why women shouldn't walk alone. These stupid things can happen absolutely anywhere, and thankfully, are very rare everywhere. It sounds like the O/P did all the right things.
I’m so sorry this happened to you and glad that you are safe. You made good decisions and protected yourself (and others by notifying the police). The acts of these men are weird, deviant behavior, not really clearly explicable to others who are not troubled in the way that these two men are. I hope you still will be able to enjoy the remainder of your time on the Camino. Good luck going forward. I will keep you in my thoughts.I’m consternated to inform that today, unfortunately I came across a second man naked jacking off in the woods. I hike alone.
The first one around Liendo, on the 9th of October, the exact location for those of you who have the app ‘what3words’ is [///ailing.prickles.trespass]. He was a young man on his late twenties with a mountain bike, upon turning left on the road I found him jacking off half naked, but as soon as he saw me he got startled and stopped, and I walk as fast as I could from there, but didn’t report to the police thinking it was just an odd occurrence.
Second time was today in Ruiloba, just before entering Comillas nearby a gas station Repsol, the exact location was [///snare.offset.tarnish] on the app ‘what3words’.
This time was worse, I was hiking downhill, super chilled singing my song and I come across this man on his late 50’s half naked, jacking off, the moment he saw me he came walking towards me whilst holding his penis and saying I don’t know what, because Spanish is not my mother language. I runned as fast as I could almost falling downhill at 12 km/h according to my watch and called the police as soon as I gained some distance whilst keep looking over my shoulder to check if he wasn’t coming on my way. The police met further away nearby the city centre of Comillas and got the description and exact location where it happened and went away.
The albergue owner where I am told me is not the first time and it happened recently with a German lady staying at Comillas.
So my advice, do a different route from Sierra and take the sea route even if it’s on the highway or get a cab, bus train from Santillana del Mar till Comillas.
I am fine although shocked and literally wondering what the f@ck is wrong with these men jacking off in the middle of nowhere, I mean, is this a thing?
Anyway have a safe and buen camino everyone.
I’m consternated to inform that today, unfortunately I came across a second man naked jacking off in the woods. I hike alone.
The first one around Liendo, on the 9th of October, the exact location for those of you who have the app ‘what3words’ is [///ailing.prickles.trespass]. He was a young man on his late twenties with a mountain bike, upon turning left on the road I found him jacking off half naked, but as soon as he saw me he got startled and stopped, and I walk as fast as I could from there, but didn’t report to the police thinking it was just an odd occurrence.
Second time was today in Ruiloba, just before entering Comillas nearby a gas station Repsol, the exact location was [///snare.offset.tarnish] on the app ‘what3words’.
This time was worse, I was hiking downhill, super chilled singing my song and I come across this man on his late 50’s half naked, jacking off, the moment he saw me he came walking towards me whilst holding his penis and saying I don’t know what, because Spanish is not my mother language. I runned as fast as I could almost falling downhill at 12 km/h according to my watch and called the police as soon as I gained some distance whilst keep looking over my shoulder to check if he wasn’t coming on my way. The police met further away nearby the city centre of Comillas and got the description and exact location where it happened and went away.
The albergue owner where I am told me is not the first time and it happened recently with a German lady staying at Comillas.
So my advice, do a different route from Sierra and take the sea route even if it’s on the highway or get a cab, bus train from Santillana del Mar till Comillas.
I am fine although shocked and literally wondering what the f@ck is wrong with these men jacking off in the middle of nowhere, I mean, is this a thing?
Anyway have a safe and buen camino everyone.
No no no!! Don't put this on us. It is wrong that we can not walk alone.This is why a woman shouldn't walk alone, or at a minimum, keep other pilgrims in sight of her.
You really might want to think again, or at least do some research. I don’t know Spanish law on carrying offensive weapons - I suspect it’s more relaxed than in some other western-European countries given that pepper spray is sold; but in the UK that billy-club would be categorically illegal.I've been thinking on this post a bit and will share, that since COVID I find there are a lot more socially unacceptable behaviors ( I run a very large, public community park and we have had to engage security for our big farmers market and other events for this reason) that have been unleashed, and as such I am bringing a very small, but quite effective retractable steel billy club with me that I walk with normally. It is invisible in my hand, and likely will never see the light of day, but if I am alone or I come across a dog I can not sweet-talk or calmly walk away from, I have something between me and whomever. For this reason, I will be checking my bag. I don't want fear to prevent me from doing something I want to do, but I also know my physical limitations and potential outcomes given a bad situation.
Good suggestion. Yes I will inquire.You really might want to think again, or at least do some research. I don’t know Spanish law on carrying offensive weapons - I suspect it’s more relaxed than in some other western-European countries given that pepper spray is sold; but in the UK that billy-club would be categorically illegal.
I see no benefit in carrying this, and see several disadvantages. It would be hard to use walking sticks while you have something else in your hand. Walking sticks are more multi-functional, and emphasize the positives of your journey rather than being a constant reminder of a remote negative situation.I am bringing a very small, but quite effective retractable steel billy club with me that I walk with normally... I have something between me and whomever.
Quick google search appears to show that the legal situation is roughly the same in Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium as in the UK: individuals are not allowed to carry telescopic billy-clubs in public as weapon of self-defence. In some of these countries you can buy them, in others not, or you can keep them at home or not but carrying in public is not generally allowed. OK, this may no stop someone from doing so. Also, I vaguely remember that in Spain it may be particularly difficult to claim self-defence if you hit and injure someone because you think you may be in great danger but cannot prove it.You really might want to think again, or at least do some research. I don’t know Spanish law on carrying offensive weapons - I suspect it’s more relaxed than in some other western-European countries given that pepper spray is sold; but in the UK that billy-club would be categorically illegal.
Thank you for your thoughts. I have no intention of walking with it clutched in my hand, it would be accessible only. For me it is not a negative and would or will not detract from my experience, I walk all the time with it tucked in my pocket. We have wild pigs in the hills the size of small cars, and just last week a man that was high as a kite blocked my path, I managed fine without it, but I was happy to have it accessible. The world is not the same as it was when anyone was 7, even for eight year olds. I don't anticipate ever needing it, nor am I advocating it for anyone other than myself. The jackwagons that the young lady encountered are harmless until they're not. Diligence, common sense, etc does mitigate most things.I see no benefit in carrying this, and see several disadvantages. It would be hard to use walking sticks while you have something else in your hand. Walking sticks are more multi-functional, and emphasize the positives of your journey rather than being a constant reminder of a remote negative situation.
I have been allowed out, even to cross the street by myself, since I was 7 years old. Some day maybe I will again be stopped from going out alone, but it hasn't happened yet.
Thank you for that information.Quick google search appears to show that the legal situation is roughly the same in Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium as in the UK: individuals are not allowed to carry telescopic billy-clubs in public as weapon of self-defence. In some of these countries you can buy them, in others not, or you can keep them at home or not but carrying in public is not generally allowed. OK, this may no stop someone from doing so. Also, I vaguely remember that in Spain it may be particularly difficult to claim self-defence if you hit and injure someone because you think you may be in great danger but cannot prove it.
But I find this discussion beside the point. What would I do if I were in the same situation as @seaseeker described it: run/move quickly away or wait/walk towards the person and initiate battle with my walking poles or any weapon that I have ready in my hand waiting to be used? I think that I would do what @seaseeker did: remove myself from the situation as quickly as I can and call the police as quickly as I can.
Yes is the short answer, at 5% CS and by over 18 years only. Same as applies to a 5 shot automatic shotgun. Where? A quick godgle suggests those same sorts of stores where you can buy chicken feed, tractor spares, permethrin sprays and seed corn.Is pepper spray possible to buy in in Spain, and if so; where?
I am very sorry that we share similar experience , it is very disturbing.I’m consternated to inform that today, unfortunately I came across a second man naked jacking off in the woods. I hike alone.
The first one around Liendo, on the 9th of October, the exact location for those of you who have the app ‘what3words’ is [///ailing.prickles.trespass]. He was a young man on his late twenties with a mountain bike, upon turning left on the road I found him jacking off half naked, but as soon as he saw me he got startled and stopped, and I walk as fast as I could from there, but didn’t report to the police thinking it was just an odd occurrence.
Second time was today in Ruiloba, just before entering Comillas nearby a gas station Repsol, the exact location was [///snare.offset.tarnish] on the app ‘what3words’.
This time was worse, I was hiking downhill, super chilled singing my song and I come across this man on his late 50’s half naked, jacking off, the moment he saw me he came walking towards me whilst holding his penis and saying I don’t know what, because Spanish is not my mother language. I runned as fast as I could almost falling downhill at 12 km/h according to my watch and called the police as soon as I gained some distance whilst keep looking over my shoulder to check if he wasn’t coming on my way. The police met further away nearby the city centre of Comillas and got the description and exact location where it happened and went away.
The albergue owner where I am told me is not the first time and it happened recently with a German lady staying at Comillas.
So my advice, do a different route from Sierra and take the sea route even if it’s on the highway or get a cab, bus train from Santillana del Mar till Comillas.
I am fine although shocked and literally wondering what the f@ck is wrong with these men jacking off in the middle of nowhere, I mean, is this a thing?
Anyway have a safe and buen camino everyone.
One more reason for people to avoid this stage between Santillana del Mar and Comillas.A similar thing happened to me just after Santillana del Mar...I'm glad you are safe and I hope these perverts stop doing this to innocent hikers.
One more reason for people to avoid this stage between Santillana del Mar and Comillto be hone
I think it can happen anywhere , so avoiding any particular stage will not save the day . I heard after when I shared my experience that's it's more likely to happen in outskirts of bigger towns. I think being aware , reporting it this is really important, and as I said no matter that I love independence etc. After my event I took a decision to be more with a flow of people ,not necessarily being two steps away but knowing they are thereOne more reason for people to avoid this stage between Santillana del Mar and Comillas.
I just read your post and I am so sorry you had to go through a similar disgusting experience.I think it can happen anywhere , so avoiding any particular stage will not save the day . I heard after when I shared my experience that's it's more likely to happen in outskirts of bigger towns. I think being aware , reporting it this is really important, and as I said no matter that I love independence etc. After my event I took a decision to be more with a flow of people ,not necessarily being two steps away but knowing they are there
I wasn't very clear. My point was that walking sticks are alway in my hands, anyway, and the reason that hiking poles are not permitted in the airplane cabin is that they are potential weapons. I doubt that a billy club would be much more effective than a sturdy metal hiking pole.I have no intention of walking with it clutched in my hand, it would be accessible only
With a sharp pointy end...I doubt that a billy club would be much more effective than a sturdy metal hiking pole.
No, I don’t agree . In fact a woman should always feel safe to walk wherever a man would walk with or without company . She is fine nothing wrong . Why “ should” it be her fault??????This is why a woman shouldn't walk alone, or at a minimum, keep other pilgrims in sight of her.
Independent of who wrote what and who replied what, there is an interesting angle to this. I'm both surprised and pleased to see how many reactions there are of posters who do not approve of the suggestion that "this is why a woman shouldn't walk alone, or at a minimum, keep other pilgrims in sight of her". I find that over the course of my now long life there has been a change in thinking; we don't accept any longer that we must change our behaviour. The point here is, yes, we all know, that there are places and situations where it would not be wise to go at all or go alone, for men and women alike. But we reject the proposition that the Camino de Santiago, rural, semi-rural, non-urban, is such a place.Perhaps it’s unfortunate that his or her comment was not better expressed but I cannot see that the comment either ‘blamed the victim’ as an earlier post said or said that it was ‘her fault’ as a later post suggested.
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